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You didn't vote for president

The Lowell Sun

Updated:
11/16/2012 05:29:07 PM EST

By James Haroutunian

On Nov. 6, we all heard about the popular vote vs. the electoral college system. We watched the graphs rise as each candidate moved toward the all-important 270 Electoral vote mark. But no broadcaster explained the Electoral College system well enough for my kids. So I researched...

Why do we have the Electoral College?

This weighted system of voting allows for better representation for all states when the country elects its federal leaders. Due to varying populations among the states, the Electoral College allows smaller states like Rhode Island or New Hampshire to remain factors. If we only counted the popular vote to elect our president, campaign buses would never leave major cities like New York.

How does the Electoral College work?

There are 538 members of the Electoral College in the country. Each state is represented by a number of electors equal to its congressional delegation. Massachusetts has two senators and nine members of the House of Representatives. Thus, we have 11 electoral votes available to be cast by the winning political party's electors. The Electoral College election actually occurs on Dec. 17 this year, which will officially elect the president.

Who are the electors?

When you vote, you are not selecting the political candidate. Your ballot falls in favor of the electors nominated by the candidate's political party at their convention. Some states actually list the electors' names on the ballot.

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When the Democratic candidate won the Massachusetts popular vote, 11 people prepared to vote for Obama on Dec. 17. These individuals were appointed to this position for various political reasons, due to their affiliation with the Democratic Party.

How do we know they will cast their vote as expected?

There have been 158 so-called "faithless electors" in the country's history. Some states do not trust their electors' political ideals. Laws exist in states to ensure predictability. North Carolina can fine electors up to $10,000 for voting against their party.

Attorney James Haroutunian practice includes real estate and estate planning law. Contact him with questions at the Haroutunian Law Office at 630 Boston Road, Billerica, 978-671-0711, www.hlawoffice.com or email at james@hlawoffice.com.

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